Something Meaty from Harvard

Harvard University now puts some of its lectures online on YouTube, and I've just watched this one given by Michael Sandel earlier this year. It's the first lecture for an introductory course in moral philosophy, more specifically, it addresses the topic of justice, which is something we are all concerned about (I hope). The students are probably mainly first year undergraduates, preparing to study law, government or liberal arts, although I think there were also some medicine and science students in the audience. I thought you might find it interesting because Sandel, a political philosopher and professor at Harvard, uses the same sort of reasoning and arguments that Stephen Law uses. Also, some of Sandel's arguments might be relevant to the moral question of whether or not we should eat meat.

The lecture is a little long, at 55 minutes, but there is a break in the middle. Or you you can always just use the "Pause" button, or go back to listen again. It might be a little more difficult than Law's essay, but think most of it is OK. Try it and see what you think.

I also like the way that Sandel actively involves his students in the lecture. This is a great example of a normal Harvard University lecture, although I was wondering if Sandel always dresses quite so well when he's lecturing first year undergraduates. My professors didn't normally look quite that sharp, nor did the Harvard philosophers I've met. He certainly seems to be a popular lecturer: the large lecture hall is well filled.

It looks better on the larger screen at YouTube.

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References

Sandel, M. (speaker) & WGBH Boston, in association with Harvard University (producer). (2009, September 4). Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? Episode 01. Harvard University on YouTube. Retrieved October 2, 2009 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBdfcR-8hEY&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=30C13C91CFFEFEA6